Myanmar Air Force Receives Full Delivery of Six Sukhoi Su-30SME Fighter Jets From Russia

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Russia has reportedly fulfilled a contract signed in 2018 to deliver six Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter jets to the Myanmar Air Force.

According to a statement by the Myanmar Air Force chief, the Southeast Asian nation held a ceremony on December 15 at the Aviation School in Meiktila Air Base, Mandalay, where all six Su-30SME fighter jets were officially commissioned into service.

The ceremony, held in conjunction with the 77th anniversary of the Myanmar Air Force, was officiated by Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, General Min Aung Hlaing.

The procurement agreement for the six Su-30SME fighter jets was finalized during Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Myanmar in January 2018.

The contract for the acquisition of the six Su-30SME fighter jets is estimated to be worth USD 400 million (RM 1.8 billion).

The first two jets reportedly arrived in Myanmar in 2022, with a formal acceptance ceremony held in December 2022.

Myanmar received two additional Su-30SMEs in December 2023.

The Sukhoi Su-30SME is an export variant of the Su-30SM fighter jet developed by Russia’s Sukhoi company (under the United Aircraft Corporation).

Designed specifically for international markets, the Su-30SME offers capabilities comparable to the domestic version used by the Russian Air Force.

Classified as a 4++ generation fighter jet, the Su-30SME features performance close to fifth-generation aircraft while retaining advanced fourth-generation technologies as its foundation.

The Su-30SME can conduct air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike missions, making it a versatile platform for a wide range of combat operations.

Equipped with thrust vectoring control, the Su-30SME boasts exceptional maneuverability, allowing it to excel in close-range dogfights.

The aircraft is fitted with a phased-array radar (N011M Bars) capable of detecting and tracking multiple targets simultaneously, including ground and naval targets.

It also features an electronic warfare (EW) system to enhance resilience against enemy threats.

With significant fuel capacity and aerial refueling capability, the Su-30SME has an operational range of over 3,000 km, making it suitable for long-range missions.

The aircraft can carry up to eight tons of missiles, bombs, and rockets across 12 hardpoints.

It can be armed with long-range air-to-air missiles such as the R-77 and R-73, anti-ship missiles, and laser-guided bombs.

Myanmar’s acquisition of the Su-30SME is viewed as an effort to strengthen its air force capabilities.

As an export variant of the Su-30SM, the jet offers advanced multi-role combat capabilities, including high maneuverability and state-of-the-art avionics.

This enables Myanmar to bolster air defense and execute more effective strike operations.

Reports from Defence Security Asia previously highlighted technical issues with Myanmar’s fleet of JF-17 “Thunder” fighter jets, which rendered many of them non-operational.

In this context, the Su-30SME acquisition is seen as a measure to address those shortcomings and ensure the operational readiness of Myanmar’s air force.

However, analysts have raised concerns that the Su-30SME may be deployed in military operations against domestic insurgent groups.

The aircraft’s ability to reach any part of Myanmar from bases in Naypyidaw allows for more effective aerial strikes. Nonetheless, the high operational costs could limit its frequency of use.

The acquisition of Su-30SME fighter jets has also sparked concern within the international community, particularly in the United States, which views Russia’s military support for Myanmar as unacceptable and potentially destabilizing for the region.

Critics argue that the supply of advanced weaponry, such as the Su-30SME, could exacerbate internal conflicts in Myanmar. — DSA